Spaghetti with meatballs (or spaghetti and meatballs) is an Italian-American dish that usually consists of spaghetti, tomato sauce and meatballs. This is my interpretation of this international cuisine, with Indian flavors. You can use all spice powder or madras curry powder or tandoori masala powder or those with Italian taste, use Italian seasoning. Just go with your instinct !!This recipe of Oven Baked Chicken Spinach Meatballs with Spiced Tomatoes Sauce are moist, flavorful meatballs made from minced or ground chicken and shredded spinach, Â flavored by Indian spices and fresh herbs.
1/2cupsfresh spinach leaves finely shreddedmoisture removed by pat drying the baby spinach with kitchen paper towel or any absorbent material before shredding
3/4cupsminced chicken or any other meat
2garlic cloves smashed and finely chopped
2tablespoonfinely chopped mint leavesoptional
2tablespoonfinely chopped cilantroalso called coriander leaves
1knob ginger peeledsmashed and finely chopped or ground
8-10garlic cloves smashedpeeled and finely chopped or ground
1/4cuponion paste or grated onion
1.5tablespoontandoori masala powder
2teaspoonkashmri mirch powderalso known as degi mirch; you can also use any red chilly powder for color
1/2teaspoonguntur red chilly powderfor spice; you can use cayenne or any other red chilly powder and adjust as per your spice preference
1/2teaspoongaram masala powderoptional
1/2teaspoonground black pepper
Instructions
For chicken spinach meatballs :
Preheat oven to 180 C/ 355 F. Grease a flat smooth 9 X 13 inch baking tray or pan.
Combine all the ingredients (listed in 'For chicken spinach meatballs' - spinach, ground chicken, garlic,ginger, green chillies, mint, cilantro, parmesan cheese, tandoori masala powder, salt and olive oil) in a medium mixing bowl.
Mix well by hand until all ingredients are incorporated completely.
Apply a little oil on your hands. Divide and roll the mixture into medium size smooth balls.
Place the balls on the greased baking pan. The meatballs should be one inch apart from each other. Cover and put it in freezer for 8-10 minutes.
Take out the meatballs from the freezer and remove the cover. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes till the pinkness is gone in the center and the chicken is cooked.
For meatball sauce :
Combine all the ingredients( For meatball sauce-tomato ketchup, Honey BBQ sauce, water, ginger, garlic, onion, tandoori masala powder, red chilly powder, black pepper, garam masala powder) in a saucepan and simmer on low heat till the sauce thickens.
Add the baked meatballs and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes or until the meatballs is coated with the sauce.
Serve the meatballs hot with sauce and spaghetti or on pizza as meatball pizza.